Espanola, New Mexico: Cliff Dwellings, Fiber Arts and Nature

A historic landmark, the Puye Cliff Dwellings are one of the most fascinating cultural attractions in northern New Mexico. The grounds include cave and cliff dwellings, breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, an original Harvey House, and early Pueblo architecture. Located near the historic town of Espanola, the Puye Cliff Dwellings were once home to around 1,500 Pueblo Indians, the people who lived, hunted game, and farmed the area between the 900’s through the year 1580. The Puye Cliffs are made up of two levels cut into a cliff face, along with dwellings located on top of the mesa.

The Bond House Museum serves as the anchor facility for the town’s Plaza de Espanola, highlighting the transformation of historic Espanola from a frontier outpost into a commercial center. The Native American and Hispanic lifestyles of the people in the area had remained unchanged for over three centuries until 1880 when the railroad came to town. Frank Bond, who came from Canada, established the Espanola Mercantile, invested in land and sheep, and started building the adobe home. The house had expanded to its present day size by 1910, serving as a testament to the new cash economy’s power.

Bond House Museum, 706 E Bond St, Española, NM 87532, Phone: 505-747-8535

The Los Luceros Historic Site is one of the Espanola, New Mexico area’s many cultural gems and is worth a visit for anyone in the region. This almost 150-acre cultural site is situated just outside of town near the Rio Grande and is one of the most historically significant and scenic properties in the state. The centerpiece of Los Luceros is the eighteenth-century, 5,700-square-foot Territorial-style adobe house, which is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. The historic ranch complex also includes a small gallery, several residences, farm buildings, a visitor’s center, and more.

253 Co Rd 41, Alcalde, NM 87511, Phone: 505-476-1165

Attractions for Couples

Founded more than twenty years ago, the Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center was created by local artisans and still continues today as a non-profit membership organization in Espanola, New Mexico. The mission of the center is the promotion of northern New Mexico’s rich textile heritage, as well as to serve as a center for fostering economic sustainability, encouraging aspiring fiber artisans, and learning. Visitors can stop by the Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center to try making a creation for themselves, with the center offering tools and supplies for crocheting, felting, embroidery, knitting, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and more.

325 N Paseo De Onate, Española, NM 87532, Phone: 505-747-3577

A place for people of all ages in Espanola who love animals, the New Mexico Wildlife Center features a variety of wildlife displays that allow visitors to learn about and see native wildlife in the area up close. During parts of the year, volunteer keepers and staff bring out animals from then enclosures for guests to get even more up close and personal with wildlife, such as owls, turtles, and hawks. There is a small fee to take a self-guided tour of the New Mexico Wildlife Center, which also provides group tours and several wildlife education programs.

19 Wheat St, Española, NM 87532, Phone: 505-753-9505

The Northern Rio Grande area is unique in the country as it has its own special history as well as a distinct course of occupation not just from the rest of the Southwest, but the rest of the nation. After all, the history of this area preceded the forming and foundation of the country, and even has its own revolution noted in history – the Pueblo Revolt which took place in 1680. It is this enthralling history that the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Center seeks to protect and preserve. When visiting this site, guests can explore the ruins of previous communities, enjoy recreational activities, and even visit studios. There are also works by local artists in the community which can be explored in this vast area of national heritage.

Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Center, 109 E. Paseo de Oñate, Española, New Mexico 87532, Phone: 505-852-0030

Where to Eat

El Paragua in Espanola, New Mexico is a true example of an “American Dream story.” The restaurant has been serving delicious New Mexican fare to the local community for more than fifty years. With beginnings as a simple roadside stand, El Paragua was started by two very entrepreneurial boys, who were supported by their parents. The restaurant has since become a favorite among local residents, as well as a must-stop dining establishment for tourists traveling through town. This family owned and operated restaurant still retains a “feeling of home” and serves a variety of both unique and well-known dishes.

603 Santa Cruz Rd, Española, NM 87532, Phone: 505-753-3211

Using native New Mexican spices and ingredients, La Cocina Restaurant has been proudly serving the northern New Mexico region for over forty-five year. Opened by Jessie and Eddie Martinez, the locally owned and operated restaurant refers to itself as a “singularly Northern New Mexican restaurant,” serving food that’s slightly different from “Tex-Mex” or “Mexican” food. The North New Mexican fare uses a mix of Native American and Mexican spices and ingredients and La Cocina Restaurant takes great pride in its family recipes and rich traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next.

415 W Santa Clara Bridge Rd, Española, NM 87532, Phone: 505-753-3016

El Parasol is a casual local restaurant chain with a location in the historic town of Espanola, New Mexico, offering a taste of Mexican and Northern New Mexico traditional favorites. Visitors traveling through the area should look out for the colorful beach umbrella logo. A local favorite, the restaurant’s family recipe dishes have also been featured in several national publications, such as the New York Times, Gourmet, and Bon Appetit.

603 Santa Cruz Rd, Española, NM 87532, Phone: 505-753-8852